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Geraets AFJ, Schram MT, Jansen JFA, Köhler S, van Boxtel MPJ, Eussen SJPM, Koster A, Stehouwer CDA, Bosma H, Leist AK. The associations of socioeconomic position with structural brain damage and connectivity and cognitive functioning: The Maastricht Study. Soc Sci Med 2024; 355:117111. [PMID: 39018997 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Socioeconomic inequalities in cognitive impairment may partly act through structural brain damage and reduced connectivity. This study investigated the extent to which the association of early-life socioeconomic position (SEP) with later-life cognitive functioning is mediated by later-life SEP, and whether the associations of SEP with later-life cognitive functioning can be explained by structural brain damage and connectivity. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from the Dutch population-based Maastricht Study (n = 4,839; mean age 59.2 ± 8.7 years, 49.8% women). Early-life SEP was assessed by self-reported poverty during childhood and parental education. Later-life SEP included education, occupation, and current household income. Participants underwent cognitive testing and 3-T magnetic resonance imaging to measure volumes of white matter hyperintensities, grey matter, white matter, cerebrospinal fluid, and structural connectivity. Multiple linear regression analyses tested the associations between SEP, markers of structural brain damage and connectivity, and cognitive functioning. Mediation was tested using structural equation modeling. RESULTS Although there were direct associations between both indicators of SEP and later-life cognitive functioning, a large part of the association between early-life SEP and later-life cognitive functioning was explained by later-life SEP (72.2%). The extent to which structural brain damage or connectivity acted as mediators between SEP and cognitive functioning was small (up to 5.9%). CONCLUSIONS We observed substantial SEP differences in later-life cognitive functioning. Associations of structural brain damage and connectivity with cognitive functioning were relatively small, and only marginally explained the SEP gradients in cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk F J Geraets
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Miranda T Schram
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Heart and Vascular Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht, The Netherlands; School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacobus F A Jansen
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Köhler
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht, The Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht, The Netherlands; Alzheimer Centrum Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin P J van Boxtel
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht, The Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht, The Netherlands; Alzheimer Centrum Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Simone J P M Eussen
- School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie Koster
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Social Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Coen D A Stehouwer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht, The Netherlands; School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Bosma
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Social Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Anja K Leist
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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Weiss J, Beydoun MA, Beydoun HA, Georgescu MF, Hu YH, Noren Hooten N, Banerjee S, Launer LJ, Evans MK, Zonderman AB. Pathways explaining racial/ethnic and socio-economic disparities in brain white matter integrity outcomes in the UK Biobank study. SSM Popul Health 2024; 26:101655. [PMID: 38562403 PMCID: PMC10982559 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathways explaining racial/ethnic and socio-economic status (SES) disparities in white matter integrity (WMI) reflecting brain health, remain underexplored, particularly in the UK population. We examined racial/ethnic and SES disparities in diffusion tensor brain magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) markers, namely global and tract-specific mean fractional anisotropy (FA), and tested total, direct and indirect effects through lifestyle, health-related and cognition factors using a structural equations modeling approach among 36,184 UK Biobank participants aged 40-70 y at baseline assessment (47% men). Multiple linear regression models were conducted, testing independent associations of race/ethnicity, socio-economic and other downstream factors in relation to global mean FA, while stratifying by Alzheimer's Disease polygenic Risk Score (AD PRS) tertiles. Race (Non-White vs. White) and lower SES predicted poorer WMI (i.e. lower global mean FA) at follow-up, with racial/ethnic disparities in FAmean involving multiple pathways and SES playing a central role in those pathways. Mediational patterns differed across tract-specific FA outcomes, with SES-FAmean total effect being partially mediated (41% of total effect = indirect effect). Furthermore, the association of poor cognition with FAmean was markedly stronger in the two uppermost AD PRS tertiles compared to the lower tertile (T2 and T3: β±SE: -0.0009 ± 0.0001 vs. T1: β±SE: -0.0005 ± 0.0001, P < 0.001), independently of potentially confounding factors. Race and lower SES were generally important determinants of adverse WMI outcomes, with partial mediation of socio-economic disparities in global mean FA through lifestyle, health-related and cognition factors. The association of poor cognition with lower global mean FA was stronger at higher AD polygenic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Weiss
- Stanford Center on Longevity, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - May A. Beydoun
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Hind A. Beydoun
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Michael F. Georgescu
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Yi-Han Hu
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Nicole Noren Hooten
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Sri Banerjee
- Public Health Doctoral Programs, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lenore J. Launer
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Michele K. Evans
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Alan B. Zonderman
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
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Rook GAW. Evolution and the critical role of the microbiota in the reduced mental and physical health associated with low socioeconomic status (SES). Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105653. [PMID: 38582194 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of the gut-microbiota-brain axis in animals reveals that microbial inputs influence metabolism, the regulation of inflammation and the development of organs, including the brain. Inflammatory, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders are more prevalent in people of low socioeconomic status (SES). Many aspects of low SES reduce exposure to the microbial inputs on which we are in a state of evolved dependence, whereas the lifestyle of wealthy citizens maintains these exposures. This partially explains the health deficit of low SES, so focussing on our evolutionary history and on environmental and lifestyle factors that distort microbial exposures might help to mitigate that deficit. But the human microbiota is complex and we have poor understanding of its functions at the microbial and mechanistic levels, and in the brain. Perhaps its composition is more flexible than the microbiota of animals that have restricted habitats and less diverse diets? These uncertainties are discussed in relation to the encouraging but frustrating results of attempts to treat psychiatric disorders by modulating the microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham A W Rook
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Department of infection, UCL (University College London), London, UK.
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Rodriguez FS, Grabe HJ, Frenzel S, Klinger-König J, Bülow R, Völzke H, Hoffmann W. Association Between Psychosocial Stress and Brain Aging: Results of the Population-Based Cohort Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 36:110-117. [PMID: 37849313 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20230020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent studies suggest that psychosocial factors can have an impact on brain health. Yet, it is unclear whether psychosocial stress affects aging of the brain. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between psychosocial stress and brain aging. METHODS Data from the German population-based cohort Study of Health in Pomerania (N=991; age range 20-78 years) were used to calculate a total psychosocial stress score by combining subscores from five domains: stress related to the living situation, the occupational situation, the social situation, danger experiences, and emotions. Associations with brain aging, indicated by an MRI-derived score quantifying age-related brain atrophy, were estimated by using regression models adjusted for age, gender, education, diabetes, problematic alcohol consumption, smoking, and hypertension. RESULTS The relative risk ratio for advanced brain aging was 1.21 (95% CI=1.04-1.41) for stress related to emotions in fully adjusted models. The interactions between stress related to emotions and mental health symptoms were also significantly associated with advanced brain aging. The association between higher total psychosocial stress and brain aging was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight that high stress related to emotions is associated with advanced brain aging. To protect brain health in older age, more research is needed to explore the role of emotional distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca S Rodriguez
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Rostock/Greifswald, Germany (Rodriguez, Grabe, Hoffmann); Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Grabe, Frenzel, Klinger-König), Institute for Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology (Bülow), and Institute for Community Medicine (Völzke, Hoffmann), University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hans J Grabe
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Rostock/Greifswald, Germany (Rodriguez, Grabe, Hoffmann); Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Grabe, Frenzel, Klinger-König), Institute for Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology (Bülow), and Institute for Community Medicine (Völzke, Hoffmann), University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stefan Frenzel
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Rostock/Greifswald, Germany (Rodriguez, Grabe, Hoffmann); Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Grabe, Frenzel, Klinger-König), Institute for Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology (Bülow), and Institute for Community Medicine (Völzke, Hoffmann), University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Johanna Klinger-König
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Rostock/Greifswald, Germany (Rodriguez, Grabe, Hoffmann); Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Grabe, Frenzel, Klinger-König), Institute for Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology (Bülow), and Institute for Community Medicine (Völzke, Hoffmann), University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Robin Bülow
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Rostock/Greifswald, Germany (Rodriguez, Grabe, Hoffmann); Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Grabe, Frenzel, Klinger-König), Institute for Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology (Bülow), and Institute for Community Medicine (Völzke, Hoffmann), University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henry Völzke
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Rostock/Greifswald, Germany (Rodriguez, Grabe, Hoffmann); Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Grabe, Frenzel, Klinger-König), Institute for Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology (Bülow), and Institute for Community Medicine (Völzke, Hoffmann), University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoffmann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Rostock/Greifswald, Germany (Rodriguez, Grabe, Hoffmann); Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Grabe, Frenzel, Klinger-König), Institute for Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology (Bülow), and Institute for Community Medicine (Völzke, Hoffmann), University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Tan CH, Tan JJX. Low neighborhood deprivation buffers against hippocampal neurodegeneration, white matter hyperintensities, and poorer cognition. GeroScience 2023:10.1007/s11357-023-00780-y. [PMID: 37004594 PMCID: PMC10400521 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00780-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing recognition that socioeconomic inequalities contribute to disparities in brain and cognitive health in older adults. However, whether neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) buffers individuals with low individual SES against neurodegeneration, cerebrovascular disease, and poorer cognitive function is not well understood. Here, we evaluated whether neighborhood deprivation (Townsend deprivation index) interacted with individual SES (composite household income and education levels) on hippocampus volume, regional cortical thickness, white matter hyperintensities, and cognition in 19,638 individuals (mean age = 54.8) from the UK Biobank. We found that individuals with low individual SES had the smallest hippocampal volumes, greatest white matter hyperintensity burden, and poorest cognition if they were living in high deprivation neighborhoods but that these deleterious effects on brain and cognitive function were attenuated if they were living in low deprivation neighborhoods (p for interactions < .05). While neighborhood deprivation did not interact with individual SES to influence regional cortical thickness, higher neighborhood deprivation was independently associated with lower cortical thickness in 16 regions (false discovery rate q < .05). Across multiple brain indices and cognitive function analyses, we found converging evidence suggesting that low neighborhood deprivation may have a neuroprotective effect against neurodegeneration, cerebrovascular pathology, and cognitive impairment, particularly in vulnerable individuals with low household income and education levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Hong Tan
- Department of Psychology, Nanyang Technological University, 48 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, S639818, Singapore.
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 48 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, S639818, Singapore.
| | - Jacinth J X Tan
- School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, Singapore, Singapore
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Tian J, Wang Y, Guo L, Li S. Association of Income with Post-Stroke Cognition and the Underlying Neuroanatomical Mechanism. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020363. [PMID: 36831905 PMCID: PMC9954609 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between income and post-stroke cognition at 3 months, and the underlying neuroanatomical mechanism. METHODS Patients with first-ever ischemic stroke were enrolled and analyzed. Baseline information on income and neuroimaging measurements with predictive values for post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) were collected within 7 days of the admission. Three months after the index stroke, all participants underwent a detailed neuropsychological test battery. The associations between income and PSCI and between income and brain structural measurements were investigated. RESULTS A total of 294 patients were recruited for this study. Lower income was independently associated with poor cognitive performance on Stroop tests, Clinical Dementia Rating, Boston Naming Test, and Verbal Fluency Test. Regarding neuroimaging parameters, lower income was associated with a lower total brain volume (TBV)/total intracranial volume (TICV) ratio (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Lower income is associated with an increased chance of post-stroke cognitive decline, particularly in executive function and language domains. Since global brain atrophy (measured by TBV/TICV ratio) is a strong predictor for PSCI, its correlation with income may help explain the neuroanatomical mechanism between income and post-stroke cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Tian
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Disease, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Li Guo
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (S.L.); Tel.: +86-18531135618 (L.G.)
| | - Shiping Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Disease, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (S.L.); Tel.: +86-18531135618 (L.G.)
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Contribution of smoking towards the association between socioeconomic position and dementia: 32-year follow-up of the Whitehall II prospective cohort study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2022; 23:100516. [PMID: 36189426 PMCID: PMC9523395 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background There is consistent evidence of social inequalities in dementia but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. We examined the role of smoking in midlife in socioeconomic differences in dementia at older ages. Methods Analyses were based on 9951 (67% men) participants, median age 44.3 [IQR=39.6, 50.3] years at baseline in 1985-1988, from the Whitehall II cohort study. Socioeconomic position (SEP) and smoking (smoking status (current, ex-, never-smoker), pack years of smoking, and smoking history score (combining status and pack-years)) were measured at baseline. Counterfactual mediation analysis was used to examine the contribution of smoking to the association between SEP and dementia. Findings During a median follow-up of 31.6 (IQR 31.1, 32.6) years, 628 participants were diagnosed with dementia and 2110 died. Analyses adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, education, and SEP showed smokers (hazard ratio [HR] 1.36 [95% CI 1.10-1.68]) but not ex-smokers (HR 0.95 [95% CI 0.79-1.14]) to have a higher risk of dementia compared to never-smokers; similar results for smoking were obtained for pack-years of smoking and smoking history score. Mediation analysis showed low SEP to be associated with higher risk of dementia (HRs between 1.97 and 2.02, depending on the measure of smoking in the model); estimate for the mediation effect was 16% for smoking status (Indirect Effect HR 1.09 [95% CI 1.03-1.15]), 7% for pack-years of smoking (Indirect Effect HR 1.03 [95% CI 1.01-1.06]) and 11% for smoking history score (Indirect Effect HR 1.06 [95% CI 1.02-1.10]). Interpretation Our findings suggest that part of the social inequalities in dementia is mediated by smoking. Funding NIH.
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Otsuka R, Nishita Y, Nakamura A, Kato T, Ando F, Shimokata H, Arai H. Basic lifestyle habits and volume change in total gray matter among community dwelling middle-aged and older Japanese adults. Prev Med 2022; 161:107149. [PMID: 35803358 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The brain controls human behavior, and the gray matter is the main resource of neuronal cells. We examined the longitudinal relationship between six basic lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, sleep, alcohol consumption, smoking, and social activity including employment) and total gray matter volume in community-dwelling adults in Japan. This two-year follow-up study with data derived from the National Institute for Longevity Sciences, Longitudinal Study of Aging, Aichi, Japan, included adults aged 40-87 years (n = 1665, men: 51%). Lifestyle habits were assessed at baseline (2008-2010) using self-reported questionnaires and three-day dietary records. Total gray matter volume at baseline and after two years was estimated using T1-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging and FreeSurfer software. The association between each lifestyle factor, the total number of healthy lifestyle habits, and gray matter volume change was determined via a multiple linear regression analysis adjusting for baseline age, total gray matter volume, and other confounders. The mean ± standard deviation decrease in total gray matter volume during the two-year follow-up period was 0.94 ± 1.86% in men and 0.61 ± 2.27% in women. In the multiple regression analysis, volume loss in total gray matter positively correlated with male smoking, while it was negatively correlated with male social activity and employment, female dietary diversity, and the total number of healthy lifestyle habits (standardized beta coefficient; -0.061 in men [p = 0.07], -0.113 in women [p < 0.05]). Therefore, engaging in social activities, non-smoking, a diverse diet, or adopting one healthy lifestyle habit may help prevent gray matter volume loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei Otsuka
- Department of Epidemiology of Aging, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan.
| | - Yukiko Nishita
- Department of Epidemiology of Aging, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Akinori Nakamura
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Neuroimaging, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan; Department of Biomarker Research, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Takashi Kato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Neuroimaging, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Fujiko Ando
- Department of Epidemiology of Aging, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Aichi Shukutoku University, Aichi 480-1197, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shimokata
- Department of Epidemiology of Aging, Research Institute, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan; Graduate School of Nutritional Sciences, Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences, Aichi 470-0196, Japan
| | - Hidenori Arai
- National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
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Abstract
Healthy development and function of essentially all physiological systems and organs, including the brain, require exposure to the microbiota of our mothers and of the natural environment, especially in early life. We also know that some infections, if we survive them, modulate the immune system in relevant ways. If we study the evolution of the immune and metabolic systems, we can understand how these requirements developed and the nature of the organisms that we need to encounter. We can then begin to identify the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of these exposures. Against this evolutionary background, we can analyze the ways in which the modern urban lifestyle, particularly for individuals experiencing low socioeconomic status (SES), results in deficient or distorted microbial exposures and microbiomes. Thus, an evolutionary approach facilitates the identification of practical solutions to the growing scandal of health disparities linked to inequality.
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Kleerekooper I, Chua S, Foster PJ, Trip SA, Plant GT, Petzold A, Patel P. Associations of Alcohol Consumption and Smoking With Disease Risk and Neurodegeneration in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis in the United Kingdom. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e220902. [PMID: 35238934 PMCID: PMC8895260 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.0902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Understanding the effects of modifiable risk factors on risk for multiple sclerosis (MS) and associated neurodegeneration is important to guide clinical counseling. OBJECTIVE To investigate associations of alcohol use, smoking, and obesity with odds of MS diagnosis and macular ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the community-based UK Biobank study on health behaviors and retinal thickness (measured by optical coherence tomography in both eyes) in individuals aged 40 to 69 years examined from December 1, 2009, to December 31, 2010. Risk factors were identified with multivariable logistic regression analyses. To adjust for intereye correlations, multivariable generalized estimating equations were used to explore associations of alcohol use and smoking with mGCIPL thickness. Finally, interaction models explored whether the correlations of alcohol and smoking with mGCIPL thickness differed for individuals with MS. Data were analyzed from February 1 to July 1, 2021. EXPOSURES Smoking status (never, previous, or current), alcohol intake (never or special occasions only [low], once per month to ≤4 times per week [moderate], or daily/almost daily [high]), and body mass index. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Multiple sclerosis case status and mGCIPL thickness. RESULTS A total of 71 981 individuals (38 685 women [53.7%] and 33 296 men [46.3%]; mean [SD] age, 56.7 [8.0] years) were included in the analysis (20 065 healthy control individuals, 51 737 control individuals with comorbidities, and 179 individuals with MS). Modifiable risk factors significantly associated with MS case status were current smoking (odds ratio [OR], 3.05 [95% CI, 1.95-4.64]), moderate alcohol intake (OR, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.43-0.91]), and obesity (OR, 1.72 [95% CI, 1.15-2.56]) compared with healthy control individuals. Compared with the control individuals with comorbidities, only smoking was associated with case status (OR, 2.30 [95% CI, 1.48-3.51]). High alcohol intake was associated with a thinner mGCIPL in individuals with MS (adjusted β = -3.09 [95% CI, -5.70 to -0.48] μm; P = .02). In the alcohol interaction model, high alcohol intake was associated with thinner mGCIPL in control individuals (β = -0.93 [95% CI, -1.07 to -0.79] μm; P < .001), but there was no statistically significant association in individuals with MS (β = -2.27 [95% CI, -4.76 to 0.22] μm; P = .07). Smoking was not associated with mGCIPL thickness in MS. However, smoking was associated with greater mGCIPL thickness in control individuals (β = 0.89 [95% CI, 0.74-1.05 μm]; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that high alcohol intake was associated with retinal features indicative of more severe neurodegeneration, whereas smoking was associated with higher odds of being diagnosed with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Kleerekooper
- Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL (University College London) Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuro-ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon Chua
- NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS (National Health Service) Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J. Foster
- NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS (National Health Service) Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - S. Anand Trip
- Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL (University College London) Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon T. Plant
- Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL (University College London) Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Axel Petzold
- Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL (University College London) Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuro-ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Dutch Expertise Centre for Neuro-ophthalmology and MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centre, Departments of Neurology and Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical College, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Praveen Patel
- NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS (National Health Service) Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
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O'Bryant SE, Zhang F, Petersen M, Hall J, Johnson LA, Yaffe K, Braskie M, Rissman RA, Vig R, Toga AW. Neurodegeneration from the AT(N) framework is different among Mexican Americans compared to non-Hispanic Whites: A Health & Aging Brain among Latino Elders (HABLE) Study. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 14:e12267. [PMID: 35155729 PMCID: PMC8828994 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We sought to examine a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based marker of neurodegeneration from the AT(N) (amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration) framework among a multi-ethnic, community-dwelling cohort. METHODS Community-dwelling Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic White adults and elders were recruited. All participants underwent comprehensive assessments including an interview, functional exam, clinical labs, informant interview, neuropsychological testing and 3T MRI of the brain. A neurodegeneration MRI meta-region of interest (ROI) biomarker for the AT(N) framework was calculated. RESULTS Data were examined from n = 1305 participants. Mexican Americans experienced N at significantly younger ages. The N biomarker was significantly associated with cognitive outcomes. N was significantly impacted by cardiovascular factors (e.g., total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein) among non-Hispanic Whites whereas diabetes (glucose, HbA1c, duration of diabetes) and sociocultural (household income, acculturation) factors were strongly associated with N among Mexican Americans. DISCUSSION The prevalence, progression, timing, and sequence of the AT(N) biomarkers must be examined across diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sid E. O'Bryant
- Institute for Translational ResearchUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
| | - Fan Zhang
- Institute for Translational ResearchUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
- Department of Family MedicineUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
| | - Melissa Petersen
- Institute for Translational ResearchUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
- Department of Family MedicineUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
| | - James Hall
- Institute for Translational ResearchUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
| | - Leigh A. Johnson
- Institute for Translational ResearchUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and NeuroscienceUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- San Francisco VA Medical CenterSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Meredith Braskie
- Imaging Genetics CenterUSC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics InstituteKeck School of Medicine of USCUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Robert A. Rissman
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California, San DiegoSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare SystemSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Rocky Vig
- ImagingMidtown Medical ImagingFort WorthTexasUSA
| | - Arthur W. Toga
- Laboratory of Neuro ImagingUSC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics InstituteKeck School of Medicine of USCUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - for the HABLE Study Team
- Institute for Translational ResearchUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
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Suvila K, Lima JA, Yano Y, Tan ZS, Cheng S, Niiranen TJ. Early-but Not Late-Onset Hypertension Is Related to Midlife Cognitive Function. Hypertension 2021; 77:972-979. [PMID: 33461314 PMCID: PMC7878356 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.16556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is related to increased risk of cognitive decline in a highly age-dependent manner. However, conflicting evidence exists on the relation between age of hypertension onset and cognition. Our goal was to investigate the association between early- versus late-onset hypertension and midlife cognitive performance in 2946 CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) participants (mean age 55±4, 57% women). The participants underwent 9 repeat examinations, including blood pressure measurements, between 1985 to 1986 and 2015 to 2016. The participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and completed Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Stroop interference test, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment to evaluate cognitive function at the year 30 exam. We assessed the relation between age of hypertension onset and cognitive function using linear regression models adjusted for cognitive decline risk factors, including systolic blood pressure. We observed that individuals with early-onset hypertension (onset at <35 years) had 0.24±0.09, 0.22±0.10, 0.27±0.09, and 0.19±0.07 lower standardized Z-scores in Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Stroop test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and a composite cognitive score than participants without hypertension (P<0.05 for all). In contrast, hypertension onset at ≥35 years was not associated with cognitive function (P >0.05 for all). In a subgroup of 559 participants, neither early- nor late-onset hypertension was related to macrostructural brain alterations (P >0.05 for all). Our results indicate that early-onset hypertension is a potent risk factor for midlife cognitive impairment. Thus, age of hypertension onset assessment in clinical practice could improve risk stratification of cognitive decline in patients with hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karri Suvila
- Division of Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Joao A.C. Lima
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yuichiro Yano
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Zaldy S. Tan
- Department of Neurology, Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Susan Cheng
- Division of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, USA
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA
- Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, USA
| | - Teemu J. Niiranen
- Division of Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Public Health Solutions, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Turku, Finland
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Conti AA, Baldacchino AM. Neuroanatomical Correlates of Impulsive Choices and Risky Decision Making in Young Chronic Tobacco Smokers: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:708925. [PMID: 34526922 PMCID: PMC8435625 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.708925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Impairments in the multifaceted neuropsychological construct of cognitive impulsivity are a main feature of chronic tobacco smokers. According to the literature, these cognitive impairments are relevant for the initiation and maintenance of the smoking behavior. However, the neuroanatomical correlates of cognitive impulsivity in chronic smokers remain under-investigated. Methods: A sample of 28 chronic smokers (mean age = 28 years) not affected by polysubstance dependence and 24 matched non-smoker controls was recruited. Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM) was employed to assess Gray Matter (GM) volume differences between smokers and non-smokers. The relationships between GM volume and behavioral manifestations of impulsive choices (5 trial adjusting delay discounting task, ADT-5) and risky decision making (Cambridge Gambling Task, CGT) were also investigated. Results: VBM results revealed GM volume reductions in cortical and striatal brain regions of chronic smokers compared to non-smokers. Additionally, smokers showed heightened impulsive choices (p < 0.01, Cohen's f = 0.50) and a riskier decision- making process (p < 0.01, Cohen's f = 0.40) compared to non-smokers. GM volume reductions in the left Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) correlated with impaired impulsive and risky choices, while GM volume reductions in the left Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex (VLPFC) and Caudate correlated with heightened impulsive choices. Reduced GM volume in the left VLPFC correlated with younger age at smoking initiation (mean = 16 years). Conclusion: Smokers displayed significant GM volume reductions and related cognitive impulsivity impairments compared to non-smoker individuals. Longitudinal studies would be required to assess whether these impairments underline neurocognitive endophenotypes or if they are a consequence of tobacco exposure on the adolescent brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Alberto Conti
- Division of Population and Behavioral Science, University of St. Andrews School of Medicine, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Mario Baldacchino
- Division of Population and Behavioral Science, University of St. Andrews School of Medicine, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
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